What to Do With Your Fabric Scraps

If you're a quilter, you know the struggle: you finish a project and suddenly you're staring at a pile of fabric bits that are too pretty to throw away but too small to know what to do with. Sound familiar? You're not alone — and we've got you covered.

Sort First, Sew Later

The secret to a manageable scrap stash is a simple sorting system. You don't need anything fancy — a few bins or baskets will do. We like to sort by size:

• Strips & strings (under 2.5")
• Small squares & charms (2.5" – 5")
• Fat quarter-ish pieces (anything bigger)

Sorting by colour is another popular method, especially if you love scrappy rainbow quilts. Pick the system that works for your brain — the best one is the one you'll actually use.

Scrap-Busting Project Ideas

Once your scraps are sorted, the fun begins! Here are some of our favourite ways to use them up:

• Crumb blocks — sew your tiniest scraps onto a foundation square. No rules, just chaos (the good kind).
• String quilts — strips sewn onto a diagonal foundation make for stunning, scrappy results.
• Nine-patch blocks — a classic for a reason. Perfect for using up small squares consistently.
• Scrappy binding — join your strips end-to-end for a colourful, one-of-a-kind binding on your next quilt.
• Patchwork pouches or zip bags — small projects that use up medium scraps and make great gifts.

When Scraps Become Stash

Let's be honest — sometimes scraps grow into their own little stash. If your bins are overflowing, it might be time to pull out a scrap-friendly pattern and commit. Some of our favourite scrap-busting patterns are designed specifically to handle a variety of sizes and colours, so nothing goes to waste.

And if you want to add to your scrappy goodness, check out our Quilter's Candy Bags — a fun, surprise assortment of fabric pieces that are perfect for crumb blocks, string quilts, and everything in between.

The Golden Rule of Scraps

No scrap is too small if you love the fabric. Keep what sparks joy, donate the rest to a local guild or school, and give yourself permission to let go of the pieces that just aren't you anymore.

Happy sewing — and happy scrap busting! 🧵

— Jennifer, Jackie & the Sew Obsessed Team